CRST COO/Group President Hugh Ekberg to succeed CEO Dave Rusch

Dave Rusch, left, has announced his intention to retire in the next few years and will be succeeded by Hugh Ekberg, the carriers’ current COO/group president. (Courtesy: CRST)

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — CRST International, one of the nation’s largest transportation companies, has announced the next step in its succession plan.

Current President and CEO Dave Rusch has informed the company’s board of directors of his plans to retire in the next few years.

Current COO/Group President Hugh Ekberg has been named to succeed Rusch as CEO.

Ekberg joined CRST International in September 2016 as COO/group president, bringing more than 25 years of strategic business leadership to the CRST family of companies.

He last served as president of Kitchen & Bath Americas for Kohler Co. Prior to Kohler he was division president and a board member at Weitz Co., a full-service general construction and design build firm. Prior to Weitz, Ekberg was with Hirsh Industries, a manufacturer of consumer and commercial storage products, and served in various progressive roles, including EVP of operations, COO and president.

Ekberg holds a master of science degree in engineering management from Northwestern University’s McCormick School of Engineering and an MBA in marketing and organizational design from Northwestern University’s J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

“Hugh is a talented executive, and CRST ownership and the board of directors are proud to have him lead the company for the next generation,” Rusch said. “The transportation industry continues to face mounting challenges—from government regulation and the ongoing driver shortage to tremendous technological advances. With Hugh’s extensive expertise in corporate strategy, leadership, multi-site management and strategic growth, we are thrilled to have an executive of his stature named as CEO-elect to shape and guide CRST through the future and the ongoing challenges in our industry. I look forward to continuing to work with Hugh during this transition period. As I look into the future for CRST, with Hugh’s leadership as future CEO, as well as Mike Gannon as COO and my seasoned executive team, I am confident in the continued success of CRST.”

“CRST is an outstanding company with a tremendous future and a talented, passionate team,” Ekberg said. “Our high-quality team, coupled with our multiple service offerings, provides a full transportation solution to our growing customer base. I’m looking forward to building on those strengths in the coming years with the team. The potential is tremendous and I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead this organization in the future.”